CN210446608U

CN210446608U - Branch control device

Info

Publication number: CN210446608U
Application number: CN201920913643.3U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 王湄江; 杰米·拉莫斯
Original assignee: Belgrade Viawood Ltd
Current assignee: Belgrade Viawood Ltd; Belgravia Wood Ltd
Priority date: 2019-06-18
Filing date: 2019-06-18
Publication date: 2020-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-18
Also published as: US20220240705A1; US12226036B2; WO2020257463A1; US20250185830A1; CA3157422A1

Abstract

The utility model provides a branch control device, which comprises a control line clamp; a control component configured to pass through the control line clamp; a control member tab; and a wire end lock. The default state of the control line clamp is a clamped state. The control line clamp may be placed in a non-clamping state by applying a force to a clamp handle.

Description

Branch control device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a branch control device, and more particularly, to a control line for securing a hinged branch of an artificial christmas tree in a stowed position.

Background

Clamps are well known securing devices that can be used to hold or secure an object firmly in place by applying inward pressure on both clamping surfaces. However, existing clamp designs may not be suitable for adjustably securing a control member (e.g., a loop, strap, rope, twine, cable, etc.) used in an artificial tree device in place and for securing branch members in a stowed position. Existing clamp designs may not adequately secure one control to maintain the stowed or deployed position of the illustrated control, and/or there may be clamp designs that may be cumbersome or difficult to use when tension or slack is created in a loop of control connected to multiple branches. In particular, it may be difficult to release the clamping pressure or otherwise not tighten the control member, and it may also be difficult to apply the clamping pressure or tighten the control member. In addition, with only one hand, tightening or not tightening the control member with existing clamping devices may be difficult, as it may be necessary to use a second hand to move the control member relative to the clamping device. Furthermore, when tightening the tree using the second hand, the user of the clamping device may be more inclined to pull the control member upwards, thereby disturbing the balance of the tree and creating a dangerous situation. Conversely, when using one hand, the user is more inclined to pull the control member in a horizontal and/or lateral motion, allowing the tree to remain in a more stable state.

Therefore, there is a need for a system that can adjustably secure a control member that can be used to adjust the size of a control ring. There is also a need for a system that can be easily adjusted between a clamped position and an undamped position. There is also a need for a system that can be easily adjusted between the clamped and undamped positions using a single hand.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Aspects of the present invention relate to a clamp assembly for securing a control member and, more particularly, to a control wire for securing a hinged branch of an artificial christmas tree in a stowed position. It is desirable to connect this one control component to a plurality of branches such that the control component forms a loop around the trunk of the artificial tree device. It may also be desirable to utilize a clamp device to convert and maintain the plurality of branches in either a stowed position (e.g., the branches are substantially parallel to the trunk of the artificial tree) or a deployed position (e.g., the branches are substantially perpendicular to the trunk of the artificial tree).

The technical scheme of the utility model is that: a branch control device, comprising:

a control line clamp;

a control component configured to pass through the control line clamp;

a control member tab; and

a wire end lock.

In some embodiments, the control member may form a closed loop and the clamp device may contact the control member at two or more locations along the control member, thereby forming a larger loop around the artificial tree device and a smaller loop on a side of the clamping structure opposite the artificial tree device. To transition the branches to the stowed position, the smaller loops may be pulled or otherwise adjusted, which may reduce the diameter of the larger loops, forcing the branches from a deployed position to a stowed position. This reduces the volume of the tree and facilitates storage.

In some embodiments, the control member may not be a closed loop (e.g., the control member has two unconnected ends), but the control member may be connected to a plurality of branches such that it may substantially encircle the trunk of an artificial tree device, which would form a surrounding portion of the control member. The size of the encircling portion can be adjusted to a stowed position by pulling or otherwise adjusting one or both ends of the control member away from the artificial tree device, and tightening the control member by a clamp device to maintain the currently reduced diameter of the loop. The loop may be adjusted to a deployed position by pulling a portion of the loop away from the clamp device, and tightening the control member with the clamp device to maintain the increased diameter of the loop.

These and other aspects of the invention are described in the detailed description and drawings herein. Other aspects and features of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures. While a feature of the invention may have been discussed with respect to certain embodiments and figures, all embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the features discussed herein. In addition, while one or more embodiments may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of these features may also be used in the various embodiments of the invention discussed herein. In a similar manner, while exemplary embodiments may be discussed below as apparatus, system, or method embodiments, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments may be implemented in various apparatus, systems, and methods of the present invention.

Drawings

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the inventive subject matter and serve to explain the principles of the inventive subject matter. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter in any way.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a control line clamp according to some embodiments of the present subject matter.

Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a control line clamp according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 3A is a top view of a control line clamp and control component in a clamped state according to some embodiments of the present subject matter.

Fig. 3B is a bottom view of a control line clamp and control component in an undamped state according to some embodiments of the present subject matter.

Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a control line clamp according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 5A is a perspective view of a control line clamp and control component for use with an artificial tree in a stowed position according to some embodiments of the present subject matter.

Fig. 5B is an enlarged view of a control line clamp now in use with an artificial tree in a stowed position according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 6A is a perspective view of a control line clamp and control component, now in use with an artificial tree in a deployed position, according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 6B is an enlarged view of a control line clamp now in use with an artificial tree in the deployed position, according to some embodiments of the inventive subject matter.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a line end lock, now in use with a control component, according to some embodiments of the present subject matter.

Detailed Description

The invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description of embodiments and examples included herein. Before the exemplary embodiments of the apparatus and method according to the present invention are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to those described in the present invention. Many modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are still within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Some embodiments of the disclosed technology are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed technology may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the disclosed technology may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures or techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description. References to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," "some embodiments," "certain embodiments," "various embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiment of the disclosed technology so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated usage of "in one embodiment" does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms used herein should be understood in accordance with conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. In addition to any definitions of terms set forth below, it should be understood that, as used in the specification and claims, "a" and "an" may refer to one or more, depending on the context in which it is used. Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or". Furthermore, the terms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean one or more, unless specifically indicated otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in other manner.

Also, in the description of the exemplary embodiments, terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term includes the broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of embodiments of the present invention, exemplary embodiments are described below with reference to implementations thereof. However, the exemplary embodiments are not intended to be limiting.

The materials described hereinafter as constituting the various elements of the embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Many suitable materials that can function the same or similar to the materials described herein are intended to be included within the scope of the exemplary embodiments. Such other materials not described in this specification may include, but are not limited to: such as materials developed after the development of the present invention.

Embodiments of the disclosed technology include a control line clamp for securing a control component in place. In various embodiments, a control line clamp may be used to adjustably secure a control member that is configured to be tightened around an artificial Christmas tree to urge the branches of the artificial tree upward into a stowed position for storage. In some embodiments, the control line clamp may have two states: a clamped state and an unclamped state. In the clamped state, a wire lock may apply a clamping force (by tension) to the control member to hold the control member in place. In the undamped state, a user can apply force on one of the clamp handles to compress the wire lock, which can thereby release the tension and clamping force on the control member, allowing the control member to be pulled through the slot of the control wire clamp's body, either in a forward or reverse direction. In some embodiments, the wire lock in the clamped state may allow the control component to be pulled through in the clamped (i.e., forward) direction, but movement in the released (i.e., reverse) direction may be prevented. Such embodiments would allow the control to be simply tightened by pulling on one end of the control, but this would require the user to apply force to the clamp handle to compress the wire lock and release the control, thereby increasing the safety of the tree limb and reducing the number of hands required by the user to use the device. According to some embodiments, the control line clamp may default to a clamped state.

It will be appreciated that a control component may comprise a first portion (i.e. a loop) which is looped around the tree and then fed through the control line clamp to provide a second portion for engagement by the user. The second portion may be a second smaller loop, or first or second wire ends (not connected). The second portion may also include a handle tube for improving a user's grip and reducing stress and strain on the control member. In some embodiments, the second portion may include a first and a second wire end configured to be removably connected to each other, allowing a user to optionally create a second loop or leave the wires unconnected. When the control line clamp is in the undamped state, the user can pull the second portion through the control line clamp and away from the tree, which can tighten the first portion (i.e., the control loop) around the christmas tree. As explained, in some embodiments, the first portion of the control component may form one control loop around multiple branches, contacting the underside of each branch. In some embodiments, the control line clamp may be mounted on one branch from the plurality of branches. Tightening the control means (i.e. pulling the second portion through the control line clamp and away from the tree) may cause the limbs (which may initially be in a substantially horizontal position) to rotate to a substantially vertical position. The branches may be hinged to the trunk of the artificial christmas tree to allow the branches to rotate from the extended position to the stowed position upon tightening of the control means. When the branches are in the desired storage state, the user can release the force on the clamp handle (i.e., return the control line clamp to the clamped state) (thereby clamping or securing the control component) so that the branches of the artificial tree can be held in a generally vertical position for storage.

Throughout the present disclosure, certain embodiments are described by way of example with respect to a tightening control member for securing an artificial christmas tree. However, embodiments of the disclosed technology are not so limited. In some embodiments, the disclosed technology may effectively secure control components that include, for example, one or two lines or line segments that may be used to control and/or secure other objects.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a control line clamp 100. As described above, the control line clamp 100 may be used to secure the control component 118 in place when the control line clamp 100 is in a clamped state (as shown in FIG. 3A). In some embodiments, the control line clamp 100 may include a lower cabinet 110 and an upper cabinet 120. The control component (not shown) may access the control line clamp 100 via at least one aperture (e.g., 122, 124) in the upper cabinet 120. As shown in accordance with some embodiments, the upper cabinet 120 may include a first aperture 122 and a second aperture 124 for receiving the control components. The upper cabinet 120 may have a first mounting member 128 and a second mounting member 126 disposed thereon. The lower cabinet 110 may include a clamp handle disposed thereon. According to some embodiments, the clamp handle may have a fixed end 115 and a clamping end 116. The clamping end 116 may be slidably disposed on the lower cabinet 110 and configured to slide toward the fixing end 115 or away from the fixing end 115. For example, the clamping end 116 may be disposed on the rail 114 to improve sliding performance toward the fixed end 115. According to some embodiments, the clamp handle may have a first (i.e., neutral) position and a second (i.e., open) position. The user may transition the clamp handle from the first position to the second position by sliding the clamping end 116 along the track 114 toward the fixed end 115. When the clamping end 116 is released, the clamp handle may automatically return to the first position. In some embodiments, the first or neutral position may be a clamped state and the second or open position may be a released state.

In some embodiments, the locking or clamping action may be provided by one or more wire locks (wire lockers), as shown in fig. 2, with a first wire lock 222 and a second wire lock 224. The one or more wire locks may be configured to alternate between a clamped state in tension and a released state in compression. In other words, the wire lock may clamp the control member in a default tension state and may release the control member when an external force places the wire lock in a compressed state. As shown, one or more wire locks may be received in the upper recess 220, the lower recess 210, or a combination thereof. In this way, one or more line locks may be substantially closed by the upper and

lower cabinets

120, 110 to form the control line clamp 100.

According to some embodiments, the state of one or more wire locks (222, 224) may be controlled by one or more clip channels (212, 214). The number of clip channels may correspond to the number of line locks present. For example, as shown, two

wire locks

222 and 224 may be controlled by two

clamp channels

212 and 214. The

clamp channels

212 and 214 may be connected to the clamping end 116 such that any movement of the clamping end 116 will subsequently move the

clamp channels

212 and 214. The

clamp channels

212 and 214 in the neutral position may contact the wire locks 222 and 224 and, due to the pressure applied to the clamping end 116, the wire locks 222 and 224 are compressed from the clamped state to the released state. As such, it should be understood that: the control component wire can be threaded through the control wire clamp 100 by first entering the

holes

122 and 124, passing through the wire locks 222 and 224, and exiting through the

clamp channels

212 and 214. Additionally, the wire lock may provide sufficient tension so that when it is not in compression (i.e., not compressed by the user-engaged clamping end 116), the wire lock may return to the clamped state. As discussed, the clamped state of the wire lock may prevent any movement of the control member. It should be understood that the wire lock may facilitate one-way movement to tighten the control member while preventing any reverse movement.

Fig. 4 also illustrates a wire locking arrangement according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the line locks 222 and 224 may be capable of transitioning between a first (i.e., neutral) position and a second (i.e., open) position, as indicated by the dashed arrows. To transition the wire locks 222 and 224 from the first position to the second position, the

cleats

410a and 410b may contact the wire locks 222 and 224, respectively, using the

contact surfaces

415a and 415 b. Movement of the

jaws

410a and 410b may apply pressure to the wire locks 222 and 224 via the

contact surfaces

415a and 415b to transition the wire locks 222 and 224 from the first position to the second position. When the

cleats

410a and 410b do not apply pressure to the wire locks 222 and 224, the wire locks 222 and 224 may return or transition back to the first position. The

clamping plates

410a and 410b may also include

clamp channels

212 and 214 to allow a control line component (not shown) to pass through the

clamping plates

410a and 410 b. The line locks 222 and 224 may also include compression faces 420a and 420 b. In some embodiments, the compression faces 420a and 420b may have a larger diameter than the wire locks 222 and 224 in order to improve the contact area of the contact faces 415a and 415 b. The compression surfaces 420a and 420b may compress the wire locks 222 and 224 when contacted by the

contact surfaces

415a and 415 b. In some embodiments, compression faces 410a and 420b may be disposed above line locks 222 and 224.

FIG. 3A shows the control line clamp 100 and the control component 118 in a clamped state; FIG. 3B shows the control line clamp 100 and the control component 118 in an undamped state. The control component 118 can generally have a first portion located on a first side of the control line clamp 100 (e.g., the portion of the control component 118 that surrounds the branches of a christmas tree) and a second portion located on a second side of the control line clamp 100 (e.g., the portion of the control component 118 that the user engages to tighten or loosen the first portion of the control component 118). The number of portions on the first or second side of the control member 118 of the control line clamp 100 can be adjusted by pulling the control member 118 forward or backward. In this way, the control line clamp 100 can allow the control component 118 to be pulled through the body of the control line clamp 100 in either a forward or reverse direction when in an undamped state. Thus, when the control line clamp 100 is in an undamped state, the control component 118 can be adjusted to a desired length, position, or tension, and then the control component 118 can be tightly secured in the desired position by returning the control line clamp 100 to the clamped position. According to some embodiments, the control component 118 may be a flexible rod, a cord, a band, a rubber band, a piece of elastic material, or any other material capable of forming a loop of adjustable diameter.

In some embodiments, the control member 118 can have a control member pull ring 320 at one end, as shown in fig. 3B, that provides a surface that a user can specify to more easily pull the control member 118 away from the control wire clamp 100 (e.g., for tightening the ring on the opposite side of the control wire clamp 100). In some embodiments, the control member tab 320 may be in the form of a control member ring. For example, the control component 118 may comprise a continuous closed loop wire, wherein the control component pull ring 320 may be part of a gasket and/or insulation, as shown in FIG. 3B. Alternatively, the control component 118 may comprise two single wires that do not form a closed loop. The control component pull ring 320 may be two segments (320a and 320b) of pad/insulation on each single wire. Additionally, the control member tab 320 may provide a means for attaching the two segments 320a and 320b to the control member tab 320, as shown in FIG. 3A. Such attachment means may be magnetic, adhesive, glue, etc. The two segments 320a and 320b can be attached and detached as desired by the user.

Although the present invention is directed to a control unit 118 wherein the first portion forms a loop such that the control unit 118 passes through the control line clamp 100 in two places (i.e., the two sections of the control unit 118 pass through the control line clamp 100, as shown in fig. 1 and 2), it should be understood that: in some embodiments, the portion of the control component 118 on the second side of the control line clamp 100 may not form a loop.

Additionally, the control member 118 may have a wire end lock 340 on an end of the control member 118 opposite the control member tab 320, as shown in fig. 3A and 3B. As shown in fig. 6A, line end lock 340 may include a locking chamber 342, a sealing element 344, and a cap 346 (the cap 346 being connected thereto by a connecting member 348). The wire end lock 340 may seal the end of the control member 118 in place and may complete the loop to secure the control member 118 to an artificial tree. The sealing element 344 may be in the form of a flexible grommet or grommet-like member operable to seal the control member 118 within the lock chamber 342. Sealing element 344 may comprise any material capable of filling the volume of locking chamber 342. In some embodiments, the sealing element 344 may comprise a flexible plastic material, an elastomeric material, a thermoplastic material, rubber, or the like. Additionally, the sealing element may be configured to receive multiple wires, such as one wire, two wires, or more wires, of the control component 118. Coupling member 348 may be a flexible or hinged member configured to bring cap 346 into contact with lock chamber 342. The cap 346 may be removably connected to the locking chamber 342 by a friction fit, interference fit, threaded connection, or the like. Such embodiments will facilitate a loop to be formed with the top of the control member 118 substantially around the artificial tree when in use.

Figures 4, 5A and 5B illustrate a control line clamp 100 for use on an artificial tree. Fig. 5A and 5B show the control line clamp 100 in a clamped state with the branches of the tree in the deployed position. As shown in FIG. 5B, only a small portion of the control component 118 is positioned in front of the control line clamp 100 (i.e., in the second position). FIG. 4 shows the control line clamp 100 in a clamped state and the artificial tree in a stowed position. To transition from the position depicted in FIG. 4 to the position depicted in FIG. 5A (or vice versa), the control line clamp 100 may be placed in an undamped state; the control member 118 can be pulled forward or backward to tighten or loosen the loop around the branches, and the control line clamp 100 can be returned to a clamped state, securing the branches along the trunk of the artificial tree. In some embodiments, as can be appreciated from fig. 4 and 5B, a significantly greater portion of the control component 118 can be placed in front of the control line clamp 100 in fig. 4 (i.e., when the tree is in the stowed position) than in fig. 5B (i.e., when the tree is in the deployed position). In addition, in contrast to the position depicted in FIG. 5A, it can be seen from FIG. 4 that the branches can be urged by the control 118 into a generally upright position (i.e., generally parallel to the trunk of the tree), thereby allowing the artificial Christmas tree to be easily stored.

Methods of using a control line clamp are also disclosed. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art: the following method may facilitate the assembly and/or disassembly of the artificial tree. For example, a manufactured tree may be specified to include one or more trunk portions. As described above, each of the one or more trunk portions may have a plurality of branches. Multiple branches may be radially disposed on the trunk using hinges or other known flexible attachment methods. In some embodiments, the wire lock end 340 and the control wire clamp 100 (as shown in fig. 3A and 3B) may be mounted on a branch from the plurality of branches. An artificial tree may begin in a stowed position (i.e., all branches are generally vertical and parallel to the trunk) with control 118 substantially surrounding the plurality of branches. The user of the artificial tree may then transition the artificial tree from the stowed position to the deployed position by moving the clamping end 116 of the clamp handle towards the fixed end 115 to release the control member 118. It will be appreciated that release of the control 118 will be to allow the trunk of the tree to be substantially perpendicular to the extended position when the plurality of branches are dropped

To transition the tree from the deployed position to the stowed position, a user of the tree may pull the control member pull ring 320 (as shown in FIG. 3A) to tighten the control member 118 around multiple branches. It is to be understood that this method of use is provided by way of example and not by way of limitation, and that other methods of use will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

While certain embodiments of the disclosed technology have been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that: the disclosed technology is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

This written description uses examples to illustrate certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice certain embodiments of the disclosed technology, including making and using any devices and systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of certain embodiments of the disclosed technology is defined in the claims, and may include other embodiments that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they have the same structural elements as, or if they include equivalent structural elements that do not materially differ from, the literal language of the claims, and if they include such equivalent structural elements.

Claims

1. A branch control apparatus, characterized by comprising:

a control line clamp;

a control component configured to pass through the control line clamp;

a control member tab; and

a wire end lock.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the control component comprises one or more wires configured to form a loop.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the control member comprises a first loop formed between the control line end lock and the control line clamp, and a second loop formed between the control line clamp and the control member tab.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the control line clamp comprises:

the upper cabinet is provided with one or more mounting pieces;

a lower cabinet configured to be connected to the upper cabinet; and

a clamp handle, said clamp handle comprising a clamping end and a securing end.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising a compartment formed between the upper and lower cabinets, the compartment configured to receive one or more line locks.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more line locks are configured to transition between a first position and a second position.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein moving the clamping end of the clamp handle toward the fixed end of the clamp handle moves the one or more wire locks from the first position to the second position.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the first position corresponds to a tension state in which the one or more wire locks are clamped to the control component.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein the second position corresponds to a released state in which the one or more wire locks are not in contact with the control component.

10. The device of claim 7, wherein the one or more wire locks are configured to return to the first position when not moved by the clamp handle.